Iran has proposed easing tensions in the Gulf by offering to lift its in exchange for the United States removing its blockade and bringing the ongoing conflict to an end, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Citing two regional officials familiar with the matter, the news outlet reported that the proposal was discussed during closed-door talks between Iranian and Pakistani officials over the weekend.
The news outlet further reported that Iran suggested separating the broader and more from the immediate conflict.
The strait, located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is a vital route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade passes during peacetime. Its disruption has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and contributed to .
Diplomatic activity intensifies
The proposal comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement by Tehran. , according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.
Speaking in a video shared by IRNA, said the visit presented “a good opportunity” to consult with Russia on recent developments in the war and ongoing regional dynamics.
Russia has long been a key ally of Iran, though it remains unclear what role Moscow might play in the current phase of the conflict or whether it would actively support Tehran’s latest proposal.
US stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions
Despite the diplomatic overtures, the proposal is unlikely to gain immediate traction in Washington. — one of the primary drivers behind the conflict, which began on February 28.
Accepting Iran’s offer without addressing the nuclear issue could leave core disagreements unresolved. The US and Israel have both maintained that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a key objective.
The proposal was reportedly passed to US officials through Pakistan, which has been playing a mediating role between the two sides. However, , suggesting instead that any talks could be conducted remotely.
Economic and geopolitical fallout
The closure has stranded oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and pushed global crude prices sharply higher. The resulting has placed political pressure on the Trump administration, particularly ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
The disruption has also driven up the cost of essential goods, including food and fertilisers, amplifying inflationary pressures worldwide.
At the same time, US blockade measures have aimed to choke off Iran’s oil revenues, potentially forcing Tehran to curtail production due to storage constraints.
Fragile ceasefire, uncertain path ahead
The proposal comes against the backdrop of a . While the truce has largely halted active fighting, a lasting resolution remains elusive in a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives.
